Imaging Analysis of Photonic Integrated Interference Imaging System Based on Compact Sampling Lenslet Array Considering On-Chip Optical Loss
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This manuscript “Imaging analysis of photonic integrated interference imaging 2 system based on compact sampling lenslet array considering 3 on-chip optical loss” performed a detailed simulation on compact sampling lenslet array which can effectively improve the imaging quality of photonic integrated interference imaging system (PIIIS).
The methodology is very well explained and the results show very promising improvement for future PIIIS.
The simulation and data given in this manuscript is very clear and precise. The figures are shown in an understandable and unmistaken way. The related references are also given properly.
The English is well written. Therefore, the reviewer recommends the publication of this paper with no revision.
Author Response
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Reviewer 2 Report
In this manuscript, a photonic integrated circuit-based PIIIS has been proposed to implement the SPIDER system. The manuscript demonstrates the functions and performances of the PIIIS through simulation, including the imaging quality and the transmission of integrated optical devices. The theories, designs, and applications have been discussed in detail and well-organized. Overall, I think this paper deserves to be recommended for publication in Photonics after a minor revision.
Here are my specific questions and suggestions:
1. Compared with other interferometric imaging systems using photonic integrated circuit (e.g., doi.org/10.1364/OE.26.012801 and doi.org/10.1364/OE.25.012653), what are the difference and merit of the reported PIIIS? A comprehensive comparison might be needed and the novelty of the manuscript should be highlighted.
2. Some key devices have been optimized in the manuscript, such as the spot size converter, waveguide crossing, MMI coupler, and interlayer coupler. Their transmission spectra should be illustrated in the manuscript. Besides, these devices are sensitive to the wavelength. How to calibrate the different losses of each channel caused by these devices?
3. A detailed discussion for fabricating the PIC might be needed. For example, what is the size of the chip? How does each layer of material grow? What kind of lithography technology is used? Can existing foundries or fabrication processes realize it?
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
The paper discusses a new type of imaging system called Photonic Integrated Interference Imaging System (PIIIS) which is based on Michelson interference and photonic integrated circuits (PIC). This system uses a lenslet array to form multiple interference baselines in multiple directions simultaneously, and the PIC is used to miniaturize the beam combination hardware. PIIIS can reduce the size, weight, power, and manufacturing cycle of the system, and simultaneously sample all spatial frequencies with fast and high-resolution imaging. The paper focuses on proposing a PIIIS based on compact sampling lenslet array that can effectively improve the imaging quality of PIIIS. The paper also discusses the design process of the compact sampling lenslet array and simulated the imaging of the system.
The contributions of this paper are:
- Proposing a Photonic Integrated Interference Imaging System (PIIIS) based on compact sampling lenslet array that can effectively improve the imaging quality of PIIIS.
- Introducing the design process of the compact sampling lenslet array in detail and simulating the imaging of the system.
- Designing a silicon PIC and a silicon nitride transition PIC that match the compact sampling lenslet array, and simulating the imaging of the system under the influence of on-chip optical loss of PICs.
- Demonstrating that on-chip optical loss mainly affects the brightness and contrast of the reconstructed image, but has little effect on the structure.
- Contributing to the research on PIIIS technology and showing that increasing the coverage of spatial frequency is the key factor to improve the imaging quality of PIIIS.
In general, the authors have not estimated the robustness of their design and how fabrication imperfections affect their design. They took into account losses which is an important part of the imperfections but other types of imperfections need to be looked at.
Phase noise is of utter importance for this kind of measurement and could drastically affect the performances of the proposed structure.
On the contrary, authors spent a lot of space for very basic aspects of design like waveguides, crossing and mmis which are well known in the litterature.
The quality of the language used in the paper appears to be good. The paper is written in standard scientific English, and the authors have used appropriate technical terms and jargon to convey their ideas clearly. The paper is well-structured, and the information is presented in a logical and coherent manner. Overall, the language used in the paper is suitable for the intended audience, which is likely to be researchers and professionals in the field of photonics and imaging.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
